Sunday, March 13, 2016

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- In a bid to bolster Florida A&M’s cash-strapped athletics department, the university’s Board of Trustees on Thursday agreed to take control of game-day parking away from the Rattler Boosters.

Parking during football games has been controlled by the Boosters, but the board agreed the athletics department should oversee the lots surrounding Bragg Memorial Stadium. Revenue from parking under Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr.’s new plan is projected to be $300,000 in 2017, according to documents provided to the board.

By 2019, the revenue should increase to $350,000. The BOT approved Overton’s plan, but only under the condition he meet with the Rattler Boosters and President Elmira Mangum to ensure an “amicable” transition.

In an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat after the meeting, Overton said, “It’s very important in that we’re able to respond to our fans. The fans asked for it in the survey. All we’re doing is going down a line, making sure we respond to our fans.